Mediated Modeling: A System Dynamics Approach To Environmental Consensus Building

Customer Reviews:

A Useful "Introduction to Risk Analysis".......2001-04-02

This introductory book covers an unusually complete list of topics for such a complex subject. The first three chapters (Risk Analysis; Functions, Models and Uncertainties; and Regulation)are perhaps the most valuable. They cover the basics of risk analysis, defining essential terminology and concepts as they go. Risk is defined on page 1 as "the probability of a future loss", and this definition is applied consistently throughout. It is highly useful for prospective risk assessment, although -- as the authors acknowledge -- it is not a universally accepted definition. By contrast, *retrospective* risk assessment concepts (such as attributable risks calculated for litigation)and definitions that attempt to combine probability of a loss event with the probable severity of loss if it occurs (e.g., F-N curves and risk profiles) receive relaively little attention.

The discussion of ethical systems in regulation is welcome and illuminating. Formulas and numerical expressions throughout the text are kept elementary and the authors develop them carefully, assuming little more than high school algebra as a prerequisite.

Introduction to Risk Analysis follows the tradition of dividing the field into three major components: assessment, management, and communication of risk. It explains (without endorsing) the famous Red Book and Presidential Commission paradigms. The authors are careful to distiguish between risk analysis and processes of safety assessment and public health advocacy.

The ten chapters after the three introductory ones cover risk assessment(exposure assessment, dosimetry, extraction of potency estimates from epidemiology and toxicology data, risk characterization, comparative risk, and ecological risk), risk management, risk communication, and case studies.

The book emphasizes environmental and health applications as its major case material. Given the extensive use of risk analysis by federal regulatory agencies, this emphasis should be interesting and helpful to a wide audience of students and practitioners. While most of the text is devoted to chemical risks, the principles explained in the book apply broadly to other areas of applied risk analysis such as infectious diseases, radiation hazards, insurance, and financial and engineering risks.

The relatively sophisticated and detailed methods and models of risk in modern finance and other areas are not covered. Such details would be appropriate for a second course in risk analysis. This introduction provides general concepts and frameworks that may be useful in many applied areas but it can only introduce many topics and areas (e.g., decision-analytic approaches) that invite further study in a follow-up course or book.

Book Description

* London book launch chaired by Nelson Mandela
* Dams are a major environmental issue in the U.S.
* The only fully comprehensive and independent review of the performance and impacts of dams
* Product of unprecedented consultation, involving the World Bank, World Conservation Union, governments, industry, and civil society
* Presents a new framework for developing water and energy resources
* Sets out seven strategic priorities for the future

Large dams are the focus of efforts to manage both water and energy resources. By 2000, the world had built 45,000. Yet they can also bring huge problems of environmental damage and social dislocation. Establishing the role of large dams is vital for the future and for sustainable forms of development.
This report is the outcome of extensive public policy and consultation efforts bringing governments, the private sector and civil society representatives into one process. It challenges prevailing assumptions and sets out clearly why dams are built and what impacts they have, for better and worse.
From this evidence it presents a new framework for developing energy and water resources and an agenda of seven priorities with guidelines for decision making. The result is essential reading for all parties involved with the future for large dam construction.

Management for a Small Planet: Strategic Decision Making and the Environment

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Management for a Small Planet: Strategic Decision Making and the Environment
W . Edward Stead , and Jean G. Stead
Manufacturer: Sage Publications, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Natural Resources | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Organizational Behavior | Business Management | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0761902945

Book Description

First edition was recipient of Choice Magazine's 1992 Outstanding Academic Book Award "This second edition of Management for a Small Planet significantly improves on what was already a must- read book for students and scholars of management. The authors even more skillfully address some of the most crucial business and natural environmental issues of our time in this edition, and introduce new and substantially revised sections on the emerging topics of industrial ecology, overconsumption, and sustainability systems. Carrying forward commonsense decisionmaking models, and adding updated references, quotes, and examples, this book explains in layperson's terms why businesses need to treat this planet, in the words of the authors as 'the ultimate stakeholder.'" --Mark Starik, George Washington University Today's business organizations are faced with increasing environmental concerns. Consumers are demanding environmentally safe products, investors are demanding environmentally responsible business practices, and government regulation is increasingly targeting environmental protection. Is it possible for managers to make strategic decisions that are both economically successful and sensitive to the Earth's natural environment? In the second edition of this award-winning volume, W. Edward Stead and Jean Garner Stead educate managers and students of management about current national and global environmental issues, particularly as they relate to business activities and management practice. All of the chapters have been updated with the latest information and include helpful examples. In addition, two entirely new chapters have been added--one on how to create a new, environmentally friendly workplace and another titled Changing the Myth, which explores the underlying frameworks that guide individual and collective action. Coverage also includes information on industrial metabolism and biophysical, socio-economic, moral sustainability, and stakeholder management. Academics in the fields of management, administration, organization studies, policy studies, public administration, and political science, as well as practicing managers, will continue to learn from the insights this volume offers. This second edition of Management for a Small Planet will enable managers to achieve long-term economic success within the limits of our ecosystem.

When Corporations Leave Town: The Costs and Benefits of Metropolitan Job Sprawl

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When Corporations Leave Town: The Costs and Benefits of Metropolitan Job Sprawl
Joseph Persky , and Wim Wiewel
Manufacturer: Wayne State University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Policy & Current Events | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Workplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Development & Growth | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Economic Policy & Development | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Microeconomics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Theory | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Natural Resources | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Urban Planning & Development | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Smart Growth: Form and Consequences

ASIN: 081432908X

Analysing Strategic Environmental Assessment: Towards Better Decision-making (The Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei on Economics and the Environment)

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Analysing Strategic Environmental Assessment: Towards Better Decision-making (The Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei on Economics and the Environment)

Manufacturer: Edward Elgar Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Public Policy | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Biological Assessment And Criteria: TOOLS FOR WATER RESOURCE PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING

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Must read this if you're engaged in freshwater conservation

Biological Assessment And Criteria: TOOLS FOR WATER RESOURCE PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING
WAYNE S., ED. DAVIS
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Water Supply & Land Use | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Toxicology | Pharmacology | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Water Supply | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0873718941

Book Description

Biological Assessment and Criteria presents a state-of-the-art overview of the applications of biological assessments and biocriteria for water quality management in fresh waters. The book presents case studies which illustrate how bioassessment has been used to identify and diagnose water quality problems. It also provides examples of the use of qualitative and quantitative biocriteria as regulatory tools to complement water quality criteria and standards. The first book to present the technical foundation, rationale, program and policy relevance, and legal basis for the most accurate tools used to assess freshwater natural resource and regulatory efforts, this book provides useful and timely information for water quality managers.

Customer Reviews:

Must read this if you're engaged in freshwater conservation.......2001-02-11

The book provides very thorough insights into biological foundations in relation to water resource management in North America. For those learners and researchers who are interested in biogical monitoring using index of biotic integrity(IBI), there is a lot to gain from the book. One strength of the book is that it provides many examples of IBI regional applications, which are especially useful for those who are planning to introduce IBI to regions where it has not been developed or tested so far. Many chapters are devoted to fish IBI, while invertebrate IBI is also explored a bit. Another strength of the book is that it relates biological criteria to conservation policy, thus making the nature of it interdisciplinary and practical. The book is also practical in the sense that it elaborated on field sampling methods. The book is probably best for intermediate/advanced learners and researchers of this field, and a bit unsuitable for public reading. Biological foundations and their integration into conservation policy in this book are also valuable for people who are working in freshwater conservation and water resource management outside North America. In fact, I am a graduate student from Japan studying in Canada, and I am sure that the book contains valuable information for my home country, too. I definitely rate the book 5 stars!

Cities and Complexity: Making Intergovernmental Decisions (Cities and Planning)

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Cities and Complexity: Making Intergovernmental Decisions (Cities and Planning)
Karen S. Christensen
Manufacturer: Sage Publications, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Public Affairs & Administration | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Public Policy | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

State & Local Government | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

U.S. | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Urban Planning & Development | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Federal Jurisdiction | Administrative Law | Law | Subjects | Books

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Planners hate uncertainty. The objective of their work is to devise a course of action that will reduce uncertainty on a public scale. However, complicated intergovernmental systems often make their work complex and difficult. The planning profession is founded in quandries: How can we know the future? What is the public interest? How can we know which values are right? What is the relationship between means and ends? This book addresses the mismatch between the assumptions of planning and the actual operations of the intergovernmental system Basing her work not only on empirical research but on years of personal experience in complex governmental agencies (specifically HUD), Karen Stromme Christensen presents a new theory of the underlying structure and dynamics of the U.S. intergovernmental system. It is designed to help planners and policy makers clarify the obstacles to effective action on behalf of the public good. Moreover, it suggests ways to preserve and restore the strengths of federalism and to adjust aspects that have become counterproductive.

Environmental Decision Making: An Information Technology Approach (Environmental Sciences Library)

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Environmental Decision Making: An Information Technology Approach (Environmental Sciences Library)
James K. Lein
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Natural Resources | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Regional Planning | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Environmental Planning | Urban Planning & Development | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

The Evolution of Public Policy: Cars and the Environment

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The Evolution of Public Policy: Cars and the Environment
Toni Marzotto , Vicky Moshier Burnor , and Gordon Scott Bonham
Manufacturer: Lynne Rienner Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Industry | Automotive | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Public Policy | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Policy | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The skills required for top-notch canvaswork are astonishingly few, and canvas's potential to protect your boat and enhance your enjoyment of it is practically limitless. Here is all you need to tackle virtually any canvaswork project: sails and sailcovers, flags, dodgers, ditty bags, cushion covers, and awnings--including Biminis. It's clean, safe, and risk-free--and you'll save a bunch of money and get exactly what you want in the process.

Customer Reviews:

Very Basic Introduction.......2007-06-01

This book is okay as a basic intro to sewing, but is 90% about small canvas craft items you can make for your boat - and doesn't really get into sail repair at all.
I picked up a few pointers from the book, but overall would recommend something more in-depth if you're serious about sail repair.

Great book for the DIY crowd........2007-05-02

I wanted to know how to do it myself. Buy a sailrite sewing machine or at least a leather palm and even men who never sewed in their lives can repair a rip in the mainsail.

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